Question

Describe some of the positive features of general mental ability tests that make them attractive for selection purposes. What are the drawbacks?

Answer 1

Some of the positive features of aptitude test are :

a. It gives a fair comparison of all the candidates without any biasnese or personal favouritism. It helps making better hiring decisions.

b. As the mental ability tests are based on some pre standards it gives valid and reliable results.

c. In presence of an interviewer a candidate may feel pressure or anxiety, but in mental ability test candidates can show their abilities and knowledge level without being subjected to one to one assessment process.

Some drawbacks are :

a. Mental ability tests are costly to develop and administer.

b. Performing good in the mental ability test doesnot gurantee good performance out of the candidate. Performing good at a test doesnt mean he/she will be good at the job as well.

c. These tests are effected by cultural difference. For example one test may demand proficiency in English but a person whose mother tongue is not enhlish may not be able to perform well in the test which means his/her abilities are overshadowed by the cultural factor.